Daniel 5:7 – “The king summoned the enchanters, astrologers and diviners. Then he said to these wise men of Babylon, ‘Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows how King Belshazzar responded to the mysterious writing on the wall. Overcome by fear, he sought help from the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners—the so-called wise men of Babylon. These individuals represented human wisdom and pagan spirituality, which Belshazzar relied on instead of turning to the true God.
Belshazzar promised great rewards—royal clothing, gold, and a position of power—to anyone who could interpret the writing. The offer of becoming the third highest ruler in the kingdom likely reflects Belshazzar’s position as co-regent, with his father Nabonidus being the first ruler. Despite his wealth and power, Belshazzar’s desperate plea reveals his inability to control the situation or understand the divine message.
Historical Context
The Babylonians valued wisdom and spirituality, often seeking guidance from enchanters, astrologers, and diviners in times of crisis. These practices were deeply rooted in their culture and religion, reflecting their reliance on human expertise and supernatural forces apart from the one true God.
Belshazzar’s reliance on these “wise men” shows that he had not learned from the experiences of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. In earlier chapters of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar had called on the same group of advisors to interpret his dreams, only to discover that they were powerless compared to Daniel, who relied on God (Daniel 2 and 4).
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the futility of human wisdom when confronted with divine truth. Belshazzar’s advisors were powerless to interpret the writing because it came from God, not from human imagination or pagan sources. It underscores the principle that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone (Proverbs 9:10).
It also reflects humanity’s tendency to seek solutions in the wrong places. Instead of turning to the God who authored the message, Belshazzar looked to flawed human sources for answers. His response shows the blindness that pride and sin can create in a person’s heart.
Literary Analysis
The verse is rich with tension and irony. Belshazzar, a powerful king surrounded by wealth and influence, is utterly helpless before the writing on the wall. His desperate summoning of Babylon’s wise men contrasts with their inability to help him, setting the stage for Daniel’s eventual interpretation.
The rewards Belshazzar offers—purple clothing, gold, and a high-ranking position—highlight his belief that worldly power and material wealth could solve his problem. This misplaced confidence in human systems is contrasted with the divine intervention unfolding in the narrative.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 44:25: “Who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense.” This reflects God’s power over human wisdom and false spirituality.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Belshazzar’s mistake was leaning on human wisdom instead of seeking God.
- James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” This verse contrasts Belshazzar’s approach with the wisdom offered to those who seek God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Daniel 5:7 is a reminder to seek wisdom from God rather than relying on worldly solutions. In moments of crisis, it’s easy to look for answers in human expertise or cultural practices, but this verse encourages believers to turn to God first.
It also challenges Christians to evaluate their priorities. Belshazzar offered material rewards for understanding the writing, but true understanding and peace come from a relationship with God, not from wealth or power.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His willingness to communicate with Belshazzar, even though the king had defied Him. The writing on the wall was a warning, giving Belshazzar a chance to recognize his sin and acknowledge God’s authority.
God’s love is also seen in His patience and willingness to reveal Himself, even when humanity turns to other sources for answers. Despite Belshazzar’s reliance on false wisdom, God’s truth stood firm, waiting to be acknowledged through Daniel’s interpretation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of wisdom and truth. While Belshazzar sought understanding from pagan advisors, Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). In Him, we find the answers to life’s greatest questions and the wisdom to navigate challenges.
Jesus also exposed the futility of relying on worldly systems, emphasizing the importance of building one’s life on God’s Word rather than on human understanding (Matthew 7:24-27). Belshazzar’s failure to seek God reminds us of our need for a Savior who can bridge the gap between humanity and divine truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When faced with challenges, where do you turn for wisdom and guidance?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God rather than human solutions?
- What does this passage teach you about the limitations of human power and wealth?
- How can Jesus’ example help you seek wisdom in times of uncertainty?
- What steps can you take to ensure that God is your first source of wisdom and understanding?